Syrian refugee housing numbers improving, next step is finding jobs: McCallum

MONTREAL – Immigration Minister John McCallum said progress is being made on finding housing for Syrian refugees.

Speaking at a funding announcement in Montreal Wednesday, McCallum said 69 per cent of the refugees outside Quebec have found permanent accommodation.

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He said that’s up from 52 per cent just a few weeks ago and represents good progress.

WATCH: Syrian refugees in Quebec

3:04 Montrealers commemorate Syrian Revolution

• Montrealers commemorate Syrian Revolution
• Montreal organization helps Syrian refugees integrate
• Syrian refugee family plays in the Montreal snow for the first time
• Hiring Syrian refugees
• Welcoming a Syrian family

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The numbers don’t include Quebec, which has its own program and where housing hasn’t created the same dilemmas as in the rest of the country.

READ MORE: Montreal organization sets up workshop for Syrian refugees

McCallum said the problem was most pronounced in larger cities like Vancouver and Toronto, which were at just 30 per cent a couple of weeks ago but are now at 50 per cent.

McCallum announced a donation of $750,000 from the private sector to help Syrian refugees in Canada.

READ MORE: How Montreal organizations are preparing for arrival of Syrian refugees

The immigration minister said almost all should be housed by the end of April and certainly all by end of June.